Soldier & Wood River Valley Mtns

Large avalanches are unlikely. Small, natural or human-triggered wet snow avalanches are possible this afternoon and evening. Minimize the time you spend in or below very steep, rocky terrain that's receiving direct sunlight. 

Large avalanches are unlikely, but remember, even small slides can have big consequences if they knock you off your feet or push you into a terrain trap. Here are some considerations as you head into the mountains:

1. Wet Avalanches: Cloud cover and cooler temperatures are helping to keep wet avalanche concerns at bay. The odds you run into a wet snow avalanche problem are less than on previous days but also aren't zero. Here's what to look for:
   • Soggy snowpacks. Surface crusts may break down under warm temperatures and hot sun this afternoon. This scenario is most likely at low elevations where temperatures remained warmer last night and will again reach well above freezing today. The heatwave of the last several days pumped a lot of meltwater into the snowpack. Meltwater production has slowed, allowing some mushy snow to firm up, but this process takes time. 
   • Sun on newly fallen snow. Today's small storm may bring light snowfall. When (if) skies clear this afternoon, the sun may initiate small loose snow avalanches. Some of these may run fast and far as they slide downhill atop slick icy crusts. The onset of these sluffs will be abrupt, beginning as soon as the sun hits very steep, rocky slopes.  
2. Dry Avalanches: Despite recent warming, you can still find a wintery snowpack—particularly on upper elevation slopes facing NW-N-NE. Be on the lookout for signs of recently wind-blown snow. Small wind slabs may rest on touchy crusts or facets and can lurk just below the entrance to steep, alpine descents. Shooting cracks are the best indication that you've found a sensitive drift.
3. Cornices: Large cornices guard the tops of many alpine cirques (photo). In the spring, these beasts can sag and unpredictably fail. Limit your time below them and travel far from their edge, where you can easily feel dirt or rocks below your skis or sled. 

Enjoy the unprecedented late-season snow cover but strive to do so safely. Make a plan before heading out, carry the appropriate avalanche safety equipment, and remain alert for unexpected conditions.